PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow’s first appearance of the exhibition season provided a reward for the fans who remained through a rain delay Tuesday at First Data Field.
But Tebow failed to jolt the Mets, going 0-for-2 against the Astros coming off the bench in the DH spot.
Tebow’s workouts in recent days had been limited, following a left ankle sprain he sustained last week when he tripped on a sprinkler head in the outfield.
In his first at-bat, Tebow took five pitches and was called out on strikes. He remained in the game and flied out to left in the eighth, drawing cheers from the sparse remaining crowd.
“It was kind of quiet and he comes up and people start cheering and the cameras come out, the phones, so it’s fun,” manager Mickey Callaway said.
The former Heisman Trophy winner is participating in his first major league camp after last year coming to spring training on the minor league side. Tebow split last year between Single-A Columbia and High-A St. Lucie and is expected to begin this season at Double-A Binghamton.
Tebow’s batting practice sessions in spring training have been eventful, with his raw power often on display, but connecting against big league pitching is another matter altogether.
“There is a ton of intrigue because of his power,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “The guy can hit the ball a mile. He just missed that one today and if he squares that up he’s got a homer. There is definitely intrigue because of that raw power.”
Matt Harvey will get his first start of the Grapefruit League season on Wednesday against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla with Zack Wheeler piggybacking.
As much as Callaway would like to see results from Harvey, the manager will be monitoring his emotions.
“Demeanor goes a long way,” Callaway said. “I want to see a guy that is not getting rattled, not getting frustrated and can move on from what just happened. Those things matter not just for Matt Harvey, but all of our pitchers.”
Yoenis Cespedes was asked about his decision to quit playing golf. Cespedes told The Post last week he hasn’t played since July and has no intention to resume during the season.
“There are many players who when they are in a slump, they go play golf to try to work out their hitting,” Cespedes said. “In my case I don’t want to do it, because I choose to rest, and rest my legs instead of doing that, so I can be more relaxed and rested.”
Gerson Bautista had a second straight impressive relief appearance, striking out two batters in a scoreless eighth inning. The minor-league righty with the 100-mph heat also pitched a scoreless inning Saturday.
Kevin McGowan allowed two runs in the ninth. The right-hander has allowed seven earned runs in his first two appearances this spring.
Asdrubal Cabrera received a second start in the leadoff spot. Cabrera and Brandon Nimmo have each started twice at leadoff this spring. Wilmer Flores has received the other start there.